As you might recall from early October, I was offered an opportunity to lead a small group for seven weeks. This was part of a church-wide focus on Spiritual Friendship; the hope that that it would enable folks who struggled with making connections find a channel to help them make a connection in a small group environment.
The initial period is over; we chose to extend a bit through the first week of December as there was interest and childcare available. As a result we only have one week left which will be as much of a goodbye as a study.
What, then are my observations on serving when called?
I think my biggest worry was simply that things would go awry. That there would be incredible amounts of dead time which would be awkward. That people would come for a week or two and then leave (in my mind, for no other reason than they did not like me).
None of the fears were realized.
Were there periods of silence? There were. But never too uncomfortable, and almost inevitable someone brought something up that moved the conversation forward.
Did some people not keep up? Also yes, but that is to be expected with anything. Certainly after the initial 7 weeks, but that was past the original commitment that everyone made. So by and large we came out as we went in.
Perhaps the most important thing: Did it make a difference?
I think it did (not me of course, but the group). There were connections made. People opened up to some pretty significant things that they were facing, things that I think in my former years of leading a group would have never happened (again, that was God, not me). Outside of the group interactions occurred, even if it was just finding someone else to say hello to at church on Sunday.
Would I do something like this again? I think the answer is a pretty solid "No", at least in a sole leadership position. This was something outside of my normal comfort zone and while I am glad I had the opportunity, I am just not a leader in the traditional sense of the word and holding at least one role like already (my current job), it can be exhausting.
But I am glad that I did it. For all that I did not do, I saw God moving powerfully in the lives of others. And seldom if ever does one get a front row opportunity to see that happen.
From reading this post... being in your group made a difference to more than one person, God works in many ways TB. Helping others can perhaps overcome being outside your own personal comfort zone
ReplyDeleteThanks Nylon12. Perhaps I am too close to the situation to see it so.
DeleteMoses had a conversation with God about his lack of leadership abilities however, God did amazing work through him. One should never underestimate the power of the Almighty or miss an opportunity to serve Him when called on to do so even when it is outside our comfort zone. God doesn't expect perfection from us, only willingness. Remember, we cannot do what God can do, and HE will not do what we should do.
ReplyDeleteAl - To be fair, one of the things that I initially worried about was simply that I could not or would not do enough. God would have to "Show up", as they say.
DeleteAnd He did. He most definitely did, week after week. For which I am grateful. I can say definitively say it nothing to do for me.
Thank you for the reminder. I will definitely keep it in my mind if something comes up again.
TB, your solid “No, to doing something like this again” sounds like something a person that has grown to know themselves rather well might say. Nothing wrong with that! The ways and means available to be of service to others are infinite and endless.
ReplyDeleteThe following quote, written by Donna VanLiere, sprung to mind as I read and then re-read your post.
“If we’re open to it, God can use even the smallest thing to change our lives… to change us. It might be a laughing child, car brakes that need fixing, a sale on a pot roast, a cloudless sky, a trip to the woods to cut down a Christmas tree, a school teacher, a Dunhill Billiard pipe…
Some people will never believe.
That may feel to insignificant to forever change a life.
But I believe.
And I always will.”
Your willingness to stay on the firing line of life and your obvious ongoing efforts to live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and simply leave the rest to God come thru your writing.
Blessings to you!
B - Thank you for the lovely quote! I am not familiar with this writer, but I will definitely seek them out (anyone that uses a pipe in a quote is worth seeking out).
DeleteI do know myself well - but perhaps to Al's quote above, perhaps a little too well, or have at least convinced myself of the fact. There is a tension between staying in one's comfort zone and extending that I am not always good managing.
And thank you very much for your kind comments. If all of that comes through, then perhaps at some level I am achieving what I feel called to do.
I always reckon the goal in my mind should be to plant seeds. I may not see the fruit, but if the seeds are planted there's opportunity for them to grow from there.
ReplyDeleteLeigh, it is odd that I think about that sort of thing in everything but this instance. But the point is no different: even here, something may have (I think probably did) happen because of this group. And while we may not see the fruit now, perhaps we will someday in Heaven.
DeleteIt's always nice to try on new hats and see which ones fit.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful metaphor, John.
DeleteThis was not a terrible fit and likely did some good.
As fate would have it, my wife has been asked to lead a nearly identical group starting after the first of the year until Lent. She is a bit nervous for all the same reasons as you but I think she will do fine, like you.
ReplyDeleteEd, then this turned out to be a timely discussion indeed!
DeleteI will say that one thing that made this much less of a "burden" was that the church provided a discussion guide for every session. I am sure, given your church's long history, they will have very good supporting materials.